Use of Chitosan Membranes to Mimic Human Epidermis for the Development of an Estradiol Delivery System

Polymeric membranes with skin-mimetic permeability properties appear as attractive models for use in the development of transdermal drug delivery systems. These membranes can be placed in contact with the transdermal system and simulate the skin barrier. In the current work, statistical experimental design was implemented for preparation of the optimized chitosan membrane to mimic human epidermis. For this purpose, an optimization process based on response surface methodology was carried out in order to determine the best combination of independent factors for membrane preparation. The independent factors analyzed were concentration of chitosan, concentration of cross-linking agent, and cross-linking time. The optimized membrane successfully simulated the cumulative amount of estradiol released per unit time for human epidermis. In addition, the optimized membrane was evaluated for the development of an estradiol delivery system. This in vitro technology may offer an alternative methodology for the development of transdermal delivery systems.